KOCHI: INS Sunayna, a patrol vessel of Southern Naval Command dependent at Kochi, has been deployed on anti piracy patrol in the Gulf of Aden considering that Oct 6 and the upcoming day, the ship detected a suspicious fishing vessel, approximately 25 nm off the coastline of Somalia, in the vicinity of Socotra island.

On investigation, the ship observed that the vessel was engaged in unlawful fishing in the place and was also in possession of 4 large caliber AK-47s and a single Gentle Device Gun, together with ammunition for these weapons.

The intricate marriage amongst Unlawful, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing and piracy has been acknowledged in United Nations Stability Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2383 (2017) and warships deployed in the area are usually on the lookout for this kind of unlawful pursuits. INS Sunayna seized the arms and ammunition from the vessel, less than the authority accorded by UNSCR 2383 (2017), . The vessel was extensively searched and authorized to move forward, just after confiscation of the arms and ammunition, to avoid their illegal use afterwards by the crew for piracy similar actions.

This incident reiterates the dedication of the Indian Navy to making sure secure seas for Indian, as properly as intercontinental, seafarers in the Indian Ocean location, particularly the Gulf of Aden and off the coastline of Somalia.